The Britanica Encyclopedia turned online

After 244 years, the Encyclopaedia Britannica company decided to stop publishing a printed edition of the encyclopedia reference book.

The company will focus on digital expansion amid increasing supply competition from reference provider websites such as Wikipedia.

Companies, which used to sell door-to-door encyclopedia books, now earn more from online sales, up to 85%.

Some time ago, a digital version of the encyclopedia for tablet computers was launched.

“Sales of encyclopedia books have been declining for several years,” said Encyclopaedia Britannica President Jorge Cauz.

“We know that time will arrive.”

Companies around the world have tried to increase their presence in the internet world through online sales that have a growing market share.

A number of newspapers, magazines and book publishers already have online products to increase the number of readers who access information using technology tools such as tablet computers and smartphones.

Speed

Britannica said when the decision to focus on the online edition was influenced by patent issues, the ability to update content in the short term was also a big problem.

“The printed edition of the encyclopedia is out of date when you print it,” Cauz said.

“Where our online edition continues to be updated.”

At the same time, online encyclopedia users say they prefer to use the online version compared to the printed edition.

“We have to answer thousands of questions every month through chat, telephone, email and we have to do it as soon as possible,” Richard Reyes-Gavilan of the Brooklyn Public Library told the BBC.

“In many cases using keywords on the internet is faster than standing by looking at the Britannica index and finding something that fits.”

The Encyclopaedia Britannica company, in recent years focusing on software education, is preparing for this change.